NFL Week 3 preview: Schedule, evaluation, matchups and picks for each sport
The highest tier of the NFL seems clearly established. The Bills are transcendent. The Chiefs have been undeterred by the lack of Patrick Mahomes‘ finest receiver. The Bucs, Eagles and Dolphins have appeared dominant at instances.
However hey, we have seen solely two weeks of soccer. So much can change — for these groups, and 27 others.
FOX Sports activities’ workers of NFL writers has assembled a information to each sport that might be performed in Week 3. Be certain to test the location and app all through the season for previews and predictions every week.
Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: One in all these groups is trending upward, and it most likely is not the one you’d have thought firstly of the season. By means of two video games, the Lions are tied for second in scoring offense, averaging 35.5 factors per sport, they usually have scored not less than 35 factors in every of their first two video games for the primary time since 1952. They’re additionally main the league in yards per speeding try with 7.2, thanks largely to operating again D’Andre Swift and probably the greatest offensive strains within the league.
The Vikings, however, simply received handed a really high-profile loss on Monday Night time Soccer by the Philadelphia Eagles, who appear like what we thought the Vikings could be. The Vikes will attempt to proper the ship at dwelling as they tackle their second division group in three weeks. The one factor that would make a second straight loss worse is dropping to a division group.
Matchup to look at: Jeff Okudah vs. Justin Jefferson
Detroit might have simply seen the blueprint for find out how to restrict Vikings vast receiver Justin Jefferson. The query might be if Amani Oruwariye and Okudah are as much as the duty. Honorable point out: the flip facet of that equation in Lions vast receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in opposition to cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Cam Dantzler. Do not sleep on St. Brown.
Key stat: St. Brown has tied an NFL file with not less than eight receptions in eight straight video games. No participant has ever executed it in 9 straight video games.
Prediction: Fireworks! Each groups have come a great distance from their conservative offensive reputations. They’ve loads of weapons and belief them in almost each scenario. Detroit retains this way more aggressive than most would have anticipated earlier than Arduous Knocks started, however however…
Vikings 32, Lions 30 — Carmen Vitali
Associated: Lions are playing well behind young stars. Is it time to believe?
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: Baltimore actually collapsed final week. There’s plenty of fanfare concerning the Dolphins‘ means to beat a 21-point deficit, nevertheless it takes two to tango, and the Ravens botched the end to that sport. They struggled with busted coverages and the Dolphins’ explosive receiving threats. And on offense, they did not generate sufficient yardage or factors to fend off Miami’s comeback. So the Ravens are probably rattled after such a tricky end result in Week 2. That mentioned, they’re a uniquely proficient roster with Lamar Jackson on the heart. They’re going to have that benefit over the Patriots.
New England’s protection has been its guiding drive, however that is not saying a ton. The Patriots haven’t got a lot in the best way of Professional Bowl expertise at any spot on their roster, except Matthew Judon and special-teams ace Matthew Slater. They’re restricted in top-end expertise on each side of the ball. However it exhibits extra on offense, the place they’ve put up simply 24 factors in two weeks. Yikes! Mac Jones would possibly look worse than he did final yr. And the speeding assault hasn’t hit its stride to compensate. Invoice Belichick’s squad is off to a very sluggish begin.
Associated: What’s wrong with the Patriots’ passing game and how to fix it
Matchup to look at: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson vs. Patriots CB Jalen Mills
New England is not more likely to match up Mills on Rashod Bateman for the complete day. Mills would possibly spend time protecting a smattering of various pass-catchers. However he’s the highest cornerback on the depth chart. And whereas Jackson can even be a nightmare for linebackers Mack Wilson and Ja’Whaun Bentley, the Patriots have to fret concerning the move first with Jackson. Mills could also be crucial defender, however he is not precisely an elite nook. So it will likely be fascinating to see how New England’s secondary holds up.
Key stat: With 119 speeding yards in Week 2, Lamar Jackson set an NFL file for many 100-yard speeding video games by a QB (11), passing Michael Vick (10).
Prediction: Are there two groups which are tougher to get a beat on? The Ravens appeared like one of many NFL’s finest groups after six quarters of the season. Then that they had a complete meltdown. New England has merely performed ugly, defensive soccer and scrapped its solution to a 1-1 file. The Patriots have not instilled confidence. Then once more — neither have the Ravens. However Baltimore has Jackson. He needs to be an issue for the Patriots. That may tip the dimensions on this matchup.
Ravens 21, Patriots 20 — Henry McKenna
Houston Texans at Chicago Bears (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: Each groups are coming off a loss, although Chicago quarterback Justin Fields mentioned the Bears‘ loss “hit completely different.” It could be as a result of Fields himself performed poorly, not aided by a gameplan that noticed him try simply 11 passes. He accomplished simply seven and had solely 4 makes an attempt in the complete second half, with Chicago favoring the run and seeing one more 100-plus-yard David Montgomery efficiency.
It is arduous responsible the Bears when the run was nearly the one factor working. And in a sport wherein they solely ran 41 offensive performs, interval, that is saying one thing. Fields has tried solely 28 passes by two video games this season. Each different group within the league has extra completions than that. The Bears have put up solely 76.5 passing yards per sport, which is lower than half as many because the next-closest group (Giants, 159). There have been extenuating circumstances in Week 1 with the climate. The Packers are nice, and have tended to play Chicago significantly properly currently.
However now, in opposition to a Houston group that’s giving up the second-most yards per sport and the sixth-most passing yards per sport, the Bears have an actual alternative to let Fields sling it. They are going to have to guage him ultimately, and this looks like an excellent time to do it.
Matchup to look at: Bears LB Roquan Smith vs. Texans RB Dameon Pierce
Pierce leads all rookies in speeding yards by two video games, registering 102 yards on 26 carries thus far. It could be time for him to get his welcome-to-the-league second, and Smith has been much less efficient than common — particularly contemplating he is taking part in for his subsequent contract. Smith might use this sport to make a press release.
Key stats: The Texans are 0-6 of their previous six video games in opposition to NFC opponents. Additionally, by the primary two video games, Houston has been outscored 27-0 within the fourth quarter.
Prediction: The Bears are early in a rebuild, however so are the Texans. Finally, I believe Chicago has just a bit extra expertise on its roster.
Bears 17, Houston 13 — Carmen Vitali
Associated: Warren Sharp’s betting edges for Week 3’s games
Las Vegas Raiders at Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: It is a battle of two of probably the most disappointing groups within the NFL. The Titans had been the AFC’s prime seed final season, and the Raiders thought they had been a Tremendous Bowl contender after loading up within the offseason with WR Davante Adams. But each are 0-2. The Raiders not less than misplaced two shut video games to 2 good groups, the Chargers and Cardinals. The Titans misplaced to the Giants after which had been blown out by the Bills. Perhaps most regarding for the Titans is that RB Derrick Henry has simply 107 speeding yards by two video games. If he would not get going, the Titans are completed. He is the one benefit of Tennessee’s offense now, and he hasn’t been good in any respect.
Matchup to look at: Titans RB Derrick Henry vs. the Raiders’ protection
It takes a village, and it will take the complete Raiders protection to cease Henry, even when he hasn’t appeared just like the “King” he was once. The excellent news for the Raiders is that defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s group has executed an incredible job in opposition to opposing operating backs by the primary two video games, holding the Chargers’ Austin Ekeler and Arizona’s James Conner to 36 and 25 speeding yards, respectively. Henry had 82 yards on 21 carries in opposition to the Giants and 25 yards on 13 carries vs. the Payments. He has to get going in some unspecified time in the future, proper?
Key stat: WR Davante Adams had two catches for 12 yards in Week 2 in opposition to Arizona – his lowest totals since Week 7 in 2017. That is an excellent cause why the Raiders could not maintain onto their 20-point lead (their largest blown lead in franchise historical past) and had solely 324 whole yards of offense. Adams, who was focused seven instances, needs to be far more concerned.
Prediction: It was considerably predictable that the Titans’ passing offense would wrestle after they traded WR A.J. Brown a yr after letting WR Corey Davis stroll. However Derrick Henry struggling? That is a foul signal. He’s not often made to look as human as he did the primary two weeks, and the Las Vegas protection is able to making it three in a row. In the meantime, the Raiders’ offense has proven it will possibly transfer the ball. QB Derrick Carr has thrown for 547 yards, and he even had 252 in opposition to the Cardinals with out getting a lot from Adams. The Raiders have the weapons, and Adams is an elite one after they use him. If the Titans cannot get Henry on monitor, there’s simply no manner they’ll sustain.
Raiders 27, Titans 13 — Ralph Vacchiano
Associated: NFL power rankings — who’s ascending, who’s descending?
Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: The Chiefs might have come away from the primary two weeks underneath elevated scrutiny for deciding to commerce away their second-best participant, Tyreek Hill, who is flourishing with the Miami Dolphins. However Kansas Metropolis actually solely appears to want their finest participant, Patrick Mahomes, to stay Tremendous Bowl contenders. In Week 1, the Chiefs fully blew out the Arizona Cardinals. In Week 2, Kansas Metropolis held off the Los Angeles Chargers, one other really distinctive group. So in principle, the Indianapolis Colts should not be too huge of an issue.
Indy is off to an unceremonious begin for 2022. They tied the lowly Texans, which left some questioning whether or not Houston could be higher than anticipated. However when the Jacksonville Jaguars shut out the Colts 24-0, it was abundantly clear that the Colts are literally worse than everybody anticipated. Matt Ryan is not getting the safety he wants, with the offensive line permitting seven sacks, tied for fifth-most within the NFL. That’s, partly, why Ryan immediately appears to be like like he and his arm have aged at an sadly accelerated tempo. After all, Ryan was taking part in with out Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce in Week 2. Maybe their return can inject some life into the offense.
Matchup to look at: Chiefs DT Chris Jones vs. Colts QB Matt Ryan
There was a rising sentiment that sacks are a quarterback stat. I am not in one hundred pc settlement with that, however I’m curious to see whether or not Ryan can get the ball out rapidly sufficient to neutralize the pass-rush. So, after all, Jones will line up in opposition to the Colts’ inside offensive linemen. However speeding the passer is all about timing. And if Ryan is in rhythm — not like he is been within the first two weeks — he might decrease Jones’ impression on the sport.
Key stat: Patrick Mahomes (19,586 profession passing yards) wants 414 passing yards to change into the quickest participant in NFL historical past to succeed in 20,000 passing yards (could be his 66th sport).
Chiefs & Payments headline Nick’s NFL Tiers heading into Week 3
Nick Wright locations the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas Metropolis Chiefs atop the tiers, adopted by the Buffalo Payments, Los Angeles Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Prediction: There’s simply no predictable manner for the Colts to remain aggressive. They’re outmatched. The Chiefs could be proper up there with the Buffalo Bills as the 2 finest groups within the NFL. And contemplating how shaky Indy has appeared by two weeks, there is no manner they’ll cease Mahomes. He will gentle up the Colts’ protection. The Kansas Metropolis protection might have some points with the Colts passing assault if Pittman and Pierce are again in motion. However it will not be sufficient.
Chiefs 30, Colts 17 — Henry McKenna
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: The Payments have established themselves as probably the greatest groups within the NFL. A case might simply be made that they are the perfect group within the league. They’ve ripped up their two opponents; the defending Tremendous Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams and the AFC’s prime seed in 2021, the Tennessee Titans. Josh Allen is the centerpiece round which the offense revolves. He’s merely a generational expertise, with distinctive arm expertise and a knack for choosing up first downs along with his legs. On protection, there’s Von Miller, one other generational expertise with a knack for inflicting quarterback meltdowns. However it’s hardly about these two gamers. The group is spectacular from prime to backside.
The Dolphins have the herculean job of knocking off the group I simply raved about. Miami has appeared surprisingly spectacular. However their win over the Patriots wasn’t as clear because the scoreline confirmed, with Tua Tagovailoa getting sloppy with the soccer. The Ravens made him pay for that within the first half with two interceptions — after which Tagovailoa stepped into an otherworldly mode the place he performed at a stage that we have by no means seen. He completed that sport with six touchdowns, two interceptions and 469 passing yards. So will we see Tua in God Mode? Or will he regress to the imply, significantly in opposition to a staggeringly proficient entrance from the Payments? That is what’s going to make Sunday so fascinating.
Payments dominate Titans 41-7, Craig points an apology
After a decisive victory over Derrick Henry’s Tennessee Titans, Craig Carton locations the Payments on the prime of his checklist of the groups to beat.
Matchup to look at: Dolphins OT Terron Armstead vs. Payments edge Von Miller
After all, I am to see if a quarterback duel materializes between Allen and Tagovailoa — however there is no saying whether or not that can occur. So I will choose Armstead and Miller as the 2 gamers I am watching closest. This offseason, the Dolphins signed Armstead at about the identical time that the Payments signed Miller throughout free company. That arrange this epic matchup, which needs to be fascinating contemplating Miller has terrorized his opponents and Armstead is coping with a toe harm.
Key stat: The Payments have gained seven straight matchups in opposition to the Dolphins, their longest-ever profitable streak in opposition to Miami.
Prediction: You’ll be able to depend me as a believer within the Dolphins. You can even depend me as a believer that the hype has gone slightly too far. They’re good. They don’t seem to be but probably the greatest groups within the NFL. I do not suppose their fiery fourth quarter in opposition to the Ravens will carry into their matchup in opposition to the Payments. Buffalo ought to eke out a win in Miami.
Payments 27, Dolphins 24 — Henry McKenna
Associated: Warren Sharp tells you why the Dolphins are on the rise
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: What has occurred to the Bengals? They cannot defend Joe Burrow, who has not appeared like himself. In Week 1, he threw 4 interceptions in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who I believe would possibly find yourself being one of many worst groups within the NFL this yr. Then he threw for simply 199 yards and a landing in a blowout in opposition to Cooper Rush’s Cowboys. It has simply been ugly for Cincy, which seems to be recovering from final yr’s Tremendous Bowl loss. Burrow spent the week telling the media he is not anxious, which is sweet. However I am anxious. The Bengals want to repair their points rapidly.
It would not assist that Cincy is taking up the Jets, who miraculously pulled off a 14-point comeback within the last two minutes of their sport in opposition to the Cleveland Browns. Joe Flacco performed out of his thoughts. Coach Robert Saleh dealt with the late-game conditions to perfection. And the Jets are sitting at third within the AFC East — above the New England Patriots. New York appears to be like prefer it has momentum and confidence heading right into a sport in opposition to a Cincinnati group that is missing in each departments.
Matchup to look at: Jets CB Sauce Gardner vs. Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase
Gardner, the 2022 fourth total choose, has shifted between receivers, by no means getting assigned to the WR1 and shadowing him for the sport. So we might solely see a snap right here and there the place he and Chase match up in opposition to one another. However once we do, it will likely be fascinating to look at. Gardner has been very strong to start out his NFL profession. However he additionally hasn’t been examined within the methods Chase, one of many league’s finest wideouts, will check him. I am trying to see whether or not Chase can ship a welcome-to-the-NFL second — or whether or not Gardner can show he belongs.
Key stat: By means of two video games, the Bengals rank thirty first in first-half scoring margin (-25) and second in second-half scoring margin (+22).
Prediction: The Bengals are going to need to work arduous to battle their solution to a win. These Jets are pesky, they usually badly need to be playoff-relevant this yr. You get the sense they’re really bored with being backside feeders they usually’re simply gaining confidence that they’ll compete. It is simply that the Bengals are a greater soccer group. I believe they win ugly in New York.
Bengals 17, Jets 10 — Henry McKenna
Associated: AFC East notes — is Garrett Wilson ascending?
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: The Eagles and QB Jalen Hurts placed on a present Monday evening, hammering the Vikings and searching like true Tremendous Bowl contenders. They’ve a dangerously various offense that, for one sport, clicked in all places, and their protection stepped up after a horrible Week 1. It is one sport, however they might actually be an issue for a Washington protection that has been significantly weak on the bottom, permitting 314 yards in two video games. The excellent news for the Commanders is that in addition they have a harmful offense. QB Carson Wentz is second within the league in passing yards (650) and tied for first in landing passes (7). However his three interceptions have actually saved issues fascinating for Washington.
Matchup to look at: Eagles WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith vs. Commanders CBs William Jackson and Kendall Fuller
Detroit‘s Amon-Ra St. Brown went off on the Commanders for 9 catches, 116 yards and two touchdowns. Every week earlier, Jacksonville‘s Christian Kirk had six catches for 117 yards. It’s going to assist if the Commanders get S Kam Curl again, however thus far Washington has given up seven move performs of 20 yards or extra, together with two longer than 40. And with Brown and Smith, the Eagles have two receivers able to racking up huge performs.
Are the Eagles the group to beat within the NFC?
Emmanuel Acho, Pleasure Taylor, LeSean McCoy and David Helman debate whether or not the Philadelphia Eagles are the perfect group within the NFC.
Key stat: The Eagles rank second within the NFL in speeding (189.5 yards per sport) whereas the Commanders are giving up an NFL-worst 7.5 yards per speeding try this season. There’s your uh-oh stat of the week. The Eagles might have a harmful passing assault now, however operating is their bread and butter. If the Commanders can’t cease the run, they do not have a lot hope of profitable.
Prediction: The Eagles (2-0) look able to roll, whereas the Commanders (1-1) appear like they’re nonetheless looking for their footing. There isn’t any query Washington has the offensive weapons to maintain up with Philadelphia. However the Commanders do not appear like they’ve a protection able to slowing the Eagles down. Perhaps if that they had Chase Young and a few semblance of a move rush, however proper now they do not. Anticipate the Eagles’ offensive line to dominate this matchup, organising one other huge sport by Hurts. And whereas the Philly protection will not have as straightforward a time because it did in opposition to the Vikings, the secondary ought to be capable to trigger a few errors by Wentz. That’ll be the distinction in a sport that can really feel like extra of a blowout than the ultimate rating signifies.
Eagles 31, Commanders 23 — Ralph Vacchiano
Associated: Eagles believe they have the talent for a ‘dominant’ defense
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: The Panthers have but to win a sport with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Although they will be on dwelling turf for Week 3, the Saints come to city with as scary a protection as Carolina has change into accustomed to seeing. New Orleans ranks prime 10 in yards per play in opposition to and is tied for eighth in third-down conversion charge. Conversely, the Saints are giving up a median of 23 factors a sport, which might bode properly if Mayfield is as productive because the Panthers hoped he could be after they signed him in coaching camp.
New Orleans’ offense was additionally simply stifled by the Buccaneers, scoring simply 10 factors of their Week 2 matchup. They had been notably lacking operating again Alvin Kamara, a focus of the offense and quarterback Jameis Winston’s de facto security web. Winston accomplished simply 25 of 40 move makes an attempt for 236 yards and a landing in opposition to three interceptions in Kamara’s absence — trying just like the Winston the Panthers have been accustomed to seeing lately. Winston additionally took six sacks within the sport, which has to have Panthers move rusher Brian Burns rubbing his fingers collectively Birdman-style watching the movie. Burns had two sacks final weekend in opposition to the Giants (who could be sort of good?) and can search for his third straight sport with a sack when internet hosting the Saints.
Is Baker Mayfield responsible for Panthers 0-2 begin?
The Panthers are 0-2 to start out the season after dropping to each the Browns in Week 1 and the Giants in Week 2. How prominently does their QB issue into that?
New Orleans might get again on monitor with the return of Kamara, whereas the Panthers will want extra from their very own do-it-all ball service in Christian McCaffrey. The now-healthy McCaffrey had 128 all-purpose yards final sport, which was his twenty sixth sport with greater than 125 yards from scrimmage since 2017. That is probably the most within the NFL.
Matchup to look at: Cam Jordan vs. Ikem Ekwonu
Jordan has been recognized to provide rookies (and actually, any offensive linemen) actuality checks when lining up throughout the road of scrimmage from him. Ekwonu was the primary deal with taken on this yr’s draft and appears to have taken a few lumps in opposition to the Giants. Doing that once more may very well be expensive for the Panthers, particularly Mayfield.
Key stat: The Panthers have misplaced 9 straight video games, which is the longest lively dropping streak within the NFL. The largest statistical indicator of win/loss data? Takeaways. The Panthers are twenty sixth within the league in turnover margin. They’re the one group that has did not file a takeaway by the primary two weeks of the season and have given up three of their very own.
Prediction: I simply do not see Carolina getting previous a Saints group that’s nonetheless reeling from their final division loss simply days in the past. Their finest wager is that if Winston continues his regression they usually lastly flip that takeaway stat round.
Saints 28, Panthers 13 — Carmen Vitali
Jacksonville Jaguars at Los Angeles Chargers (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: Sunday marks the thirteenth matchup between the Jaguars and Bolts. L.A. has gained 9 of the previous 12 and all 5 dwelling contests. The Chargers earned their first win at SoFi Stadium in opposition to Jacksonville, a 39-29 victory in Week 7 of the 2020 marketing campaign. Additionally, former Chargers head coach Mike McCoy, now the quarterbacks coach of the Jaguars, faces his previous group.
Matchup to look at: Chargers LT Rashawn Slater vs. Jaguars DE Josh Allen
In keeping with Professional Soccer Focus, Slater allowed zero pressures on 51 pass-blocking snaps in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Will probably be vital that Slater protects a banged-up Justin Herbert, who fractured rib cartilage final weekend. Slater probably will see an excellent little bit of Allen, who leads Jacksonville with two sacks and two pressured fumbles on the yr. Defensively, the Jaguars have 5 interceptions and 6 sacks. After ending with the worst turnover differential (-20) within the league final season, the Jaguars have the perfect (+5) within the NFL by the primary two weeks this season.
Jay Glazer solutions questions on Justin Herbert, the New York Giants, and extra following NFL Week 2
What’s the newest with Justin Herbert’s harm? With Dak out, what strikes will Jerry Jones make? Are the Giants for actual?
Key stat: The Jaguars have misplaced 18 straight highway video games, relationship again to 2019.
Prediction: The Chargers might discover robust sledding on the bottom, with Jacksonville giving up simply 69.5 speeding yards a sport. L.A.’s 2.75 speeding yards per play is already second-worst within the NFL. Nevertheless, the Bolts ought to transfer the ball by the air and make sufficient performs on protection with Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Derwin James Jr. for a victory at SoFi Stadium.
Chargers 24, Jaguars 20 — Eric D. Williams
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: Sean McVay’s Rams have owned the Cardinals. Since 2017, when McVay took over the group, L.A. is 10-1 in opposition to Arizona and now leads the all-time collection 47-39-2. The final time these two groups met, the Rams humbled the Cardinals 34-11 within the NFC wild-card sport final season.
Matchup to look at: Rams DL Aaron Donald vs. Cardinals’ offensive line
Donald wants only one sack to succeed in 100 in his profession. The disruptive defensive lineman has 15 sacks in opposition to the Cardinals, his most in opposition to any opponent, and has 12 in his previous six video games at Arizona. To this point, the Cardinals have executed a good job of defending cat-quick quarterback Kyler Murray up entrance, giving up 4 sacks by two video games.
Jalen Ramsey on the Rams’ victory over Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey speaks with FOX Sports activities’ Laura Okmin on the Los Angeles Rams’ win over the Atlanta Falcons. “We nonetheless have lots to right,” he mentioned.
Key stat: The Cardinals have misplaced six straight dwelling video games, tied for the group’s longest dwelling dropping streak because the franchise moved to Arizona in 1988.
Prediction: Until the Cardinals get one other otherworldly efficiency from Murray, it is arduous to see them shifting the ball in opposition to an L.A. protection that appeared significantly better in Week 2 in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons. In some unspecified time in the future, search for the Rams to run the soccer higher with the group’s one-two punch of Darrell Henderson Jr. and Cam Akers.
Rams 30, Cardinals 23 – Eric D. Williams
Associated: Eric D. Williams’ weekly NFC West stock watch
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: The Falcons are nonetheless on the lookout for their first win, they usually journey to the Pacific Northwest to face the Seahawks for the primary time since 2017. The Seahawks lead the all-time collection 12-6 and have gained 4 of the previous 5 video games between these two groups. The Falcons stayed on the West Coast after their loss to the Los Angeles Rams final week and practiced on the College of Washington to prepare for Sunday’s sport.
Matchup to look at: Falcons QB Marcus Mariota vs. Seahawks’ line of defense
Mariota has been so-so throwing the ball this season (411 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions), however he has executed an excellent job operating the ball, with 88 speeding yards by two video games. Mariota faces a Seattle protection permitting 145 speeding yards a contest, No. 25 within the NFL.
Key stat: Since Pete Carroll took over in 2010, the Seahawks are 18-2 within the month of September at dwelling.
Prediction: The Falcons have began 0-2 for the third straight season and may very well be taking a look at 0-3. The Seahawks common a league-worst 56 speeding yards a contest however ought to get the bottom sport going in opposition to an Atlanta protection giving up 4.8 speeding yards per play, No. 21 within the NFL.
Seahawks 23, Falcons 21 — Eric D. Williams
Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: Might this be the final time we see Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers face off? Will probably be the fifth all-time assembly between the 2 and Brady has a 3-1 benefit, which might’t sit properly with Rodgers. If that does not present sufficient of a chip on his shoulder, Rodgers has extra to show coming into this sport. Although the Packers beat the rival Chicago Bears in Lambeau Subject final Sunday evening, Rodgers was lower than complimentary of his personal play — particularly within the second half. Inexperienced Bay leaned closely on its run sport, with Aaron Jones going off for 132 yards on 15 carries and scoring each a speeding and receiving landing on the evening, which is strictly what the Packers mentioned they might do as they attempt to discover their offensive id within the post-Davante Adams period.
Operating the ball labored in opposition to the Bears, however the Packers are about to face a Buccaneers protection that’s predicated on stopping the run at first. Head coach Todd Bowles mentioned that the Bucs can really be higher in opposition to the run and that may be the main target this week. Tampa Bay is uncharacteristically ranked nineteenth in speeding yards in opposition to per play by two video games. However the Bucs have clamped down the place it issues — particularly, in factors. The Bucs have given up a league-low 6.5 factors per sport and but, they nonetheless have one thing to show.
Can Rodgers’ legacy transfer up with win vs. Brady, Bucs in Week 3?
Aaron Rodgers will face Tom Brady this Sunday because the Inexperienced Bay Packers tackle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Matchup to look at: Packers RBs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon in opposition to Bucs LBs Devin White and Lavonte David
White and David are nice matchups for operating backs, and with a view to maintain Inexperienced Bay from being profitable, they will have to cease each Jones and Dillon from doing what they did final week in opposition to the Bears.
Key stat: The Bucs’ protection leads the NFL with 10 sacks by Week 2. They’ve racked up 9 sacks on Rodgers of their previous two conferences with the Packers.
Prediction: If I’ve discovered something about this league, it is to by no means wager in opposition to Tom Brady. On this case, the Bucs’ protection deserves inclusion. Brady is taking part in with a depleted offensive line and receiving corps, however this protection has been dominant by the primary two video games. With Bowles as head coach, the Bucs wish to get again to their hallmark run-stopping prowess. I believe they do this in opposition to the Packers, who attempt to drive the run understanding their receivers aren’t there but.
Buccaneers 19, Packers 17 — Carmen Vitali
San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
Overview: After a disappointing start to their season, even drawing boos from the home crowd last week, the Broncos face one of many NFL’s stingiest defenses within the Niners. They lead the league in whole protection (210 yards allowed per sport), passing protection (142.5 passing yards allowed per sport) and are third in factors allowed per sport (13). The all-time regular-season collection is tied at 7-7, however San Francisco has gained three of the previous 4 matchups.
Matchup to look at: 49ers security Talanoa Hufanga vs. Broncos RB Javonte Williams
Denver want to get the operating sport going, creating stability on offense and taking some stress off Russell Wilson to hold the offense, and Williams is the group’s most explosive runner. The North Carolina product has 118 speeding yards (5.4 per carry) by two video games. New beginning security Hufanga leads the Niners in whole tackles with 17, together with three tackles for loss, and has been a drive within the run sport defensively.
Is new Denver coach Nathaniel Hackett overmatched?
The Broncos had been booed at dwelling final week and needed to rally to beat the Texans 16-9. Colin Cowherd explains how Hackett is in “over his head.”
Key stat: The Broncos have been penalized 25 instances by two video games, probably the most within the NFL and probably the most in a two-game span in group historical past.
Prediction: With Jimmy Garoppolo taking on for the injured Trey Lance at quarterback, anticipate San Francisco’s offense to get off to a quick begin on the highway, leaning on Deebo Samuel, Jeff Wilson and the operating sport. The Broncos must restrict their errors and play a clear soccer sport to have an opportunity on this one.
Niners 28, Broncos 23 — Eric D. Williams
Associated: How Trey Lance’s injury impacted Niners’ betting odds
Monday, Sept. 26, 2022
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Overview: That is what you name a rewrite of a well-known script. The NFL loves pitting these groups in opposition to one another early within the season, as that is the eighth time up to now 11 years that the Cowboys and Giants have confronted off in September.
The apparent distinction lies in how this season has began for the Giants, who’re 2-0 for the primary time since 2016. For the previous 5 years, it has felt like New York was already out of the operating by Week 3. This week, it is the Giants who’re favored to win this division rivalry, which might be simply their second win in opposition to the Cowboys since that 2016 season, after they famously swept Dallas en path to a playoff look.
The Cowboys had been left for useless with out Dak Prescott per week in the past, and it will even be fascinating to see how they observe up their upset of Cincinnati. A 2-1 begin would do wonders for a group that is nonetheless not less than a couple of weeks away from getting Prescott again within the lineup. If backup QB Cooper Rush and the Dallas protection can put up one other effort like they did final week, crazier issues have occurred.
Matchup to look at: Cowboys LB Micah Parsons vs. Giants’ offensive line
This can be a little bit of a simplification, as a result of clearly there are extra items to the Dallas move rush than Micah Parsons. However if you happen to watched the Cowboys’ 20-17 win in opposition to the Bengals final week, you absolutely observed the best way Parsons was in a position to wreck Cincinnati’s gameplan nearly single-handedly.
Daniel Jones has confronted stress on a league-worst 49% of his dropbacks, in keeping with Professional Soccer Focus. The Giants’ inside offensive line has appeared tough by two weeks, and first-round choose Evan Neal is making simply his third profession begin at proper deal with.
Parsons and the Dallas move rush had been the catalysts for the win in opposition to Cincinnati. It is on the Giants’ offensive line to ensure that would not occur once more.
Steve Younger suggests Dak Prescott ought to research Cooper Rush. How absurd is that?
Emmanuel Acho, Pleasure Taylor, LeSean McCoy and David Helman focus on Steve Younger’s recommendation to Cowboys QB Dak Prescott. “I would like [Dak] to actually research Cooper Rush,” the Corridor of Fame QB mentioned.
Key stat: It is uncommon to see a division rivalry look this lopsided. For the reason that Giants swept the Cowboys in 2016, Prescott is an ideal 9-0 in begins in opposition to New York, and the Cowboys are 9-1 — with that one Giants win coming on the finish of 2020 in opposition to Andy Dalton.
It isn’t the Giants’ drawback that Prescott is unavailable this week, and nobody in New York goes to complain a couple of 3-0 begin. It might be their first since 2009.
Prediction: My finest guess right here is that factors might be arduous to come back by. The Cowboys’ ceiling on offense is probably going restricted with Rush operating the present, whereas the Giants determine to have their fingers full slowing the Dallas move rush. If the Cowboys can maintain Saquon Barkley in test, it’s affordable to suppose they’ll coax some turnover-worthy performs out of Daniel Jones and the New York passing sport. That seems like simply sufficient to spice up the Cowboys.
Cowboys 16, Giants 14 — David Helman
FOX Sports activities’ Week 3 NFL preview was compiled by:
AFC East reporter Henry McKenna (atMcKennAnalysis)
NFC West reporter Eric D. Williams (ateric_d_williams)
NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano (atRalphVacchiano)
NFC North reporter Carmen Vitali (atCarmieV)
Dallas Cowboys reporter David Helman (atdavidhelman_)
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